One of its founders, outspoken town businessman Mr. Kenny Bascome, believed if the crew could be lured off the liners, passengers would follow.

The St. George's Community Awareness Group wants to put on a host of mostly sporting activities for both cruise workers and passengers to take part in.

And it aims to involve the local clubs, schools and youth centre in the events.

But it did not want to clash with the entertainment plans of the Tourism Department and St. George's Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Bascome stressed.

Boxing, soccer, cricket, running races, sailing regattas, beauty pageants and a talent show were some of their initial ideas.

The non-political group, formed also by St. George's P.c. Stuart Crockwell and teachers Mr. Earl Basden and Mr. Calvin Dill, met for the first time this week in the Town Hall.

Some 20 business people and residents attended to put forward their suggestions to liven up St. George's in anticipation of the town getting its own ship this season -- on top of the liners that visit under the twin-port concept. Mr. Bascome felt that if the cruise ships' crew could be lured out for say seven-a-side afternoon soccer games and evening boxing on the square, the passengers would come to watch and even take part.

"We are looking to create activities for the visitors as well as make the crew feel part of the community, because everyone is saying there is nothing to do in St. George's -- I don't accept that statement anyway,'' he said. "I believe if you involve the crew, then you'll get the passengers,'' he said.

There would be more people in the town at night and local clubs would benefit by bar and other sales, he said.

Those attending were generally supportive of the group's ideas.

Shipping agent Capt. John Moore assured cruise ship workers -- mostly Europeans and South Americans -- would be more than keen to take part in the games.

Last season, he said, they played soccer afternoons as often as possible at St. George's school fields.

A representative of the St. George's Cricket Club said he would be willing to fit in soccer games between the ship's crews and local teams on the field.

And a coordinator at the St. George's community centre said she did not mind making the facility available for sports events.

St. George's MP Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams said he supported local sports clubs hosting the activities as opposed to the town square, where the St. George's Chamber of Commerce planned to put on some events.

Mr. Bascome also outlined plans for a St. George's magazine to focus on the people of the town and their doings plus activities for visitors.